The 2026 Ballon d'Or race opens after Spain's World Cup victory

No clear favorite emerges for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after the World Cup.

Published 6sem11 sources✓ Confirmedupdated 1j

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The fact

Mbappé, Messi, Yamal, and Rodri are among the contenders.

The race is wide open between World Cup winners and Champions League victors.

11 sources — click a link to read an article on the topic:

NZZ

YLE

La Vanguardia

La Repubblica

Ouest-France

Why it matters

Le Ballon d'Or est l'un des trophées individuels les plus prestigieux du football, et son attribution après une Coupe du monde est toujours un événement médiatique majeur.

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Kylian Mbappé Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal Rodri FIFA #Ballon d'or #football #Espagne #Coupe du monde #Ligue des champions #Mbappé #Messi

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Jul 20Iñaki Williams pays tribute to his brother Nico after Spain's victory

Jul 21The 2026 Ballon d'Or race opens after Spain's World Cup victorythis article

Jul 23Spain: Coach Luis de la Fuente reflects on World Cup victory

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Auto-synthesis from 11 media sources · identified on July 21, 2026

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